Chap. 721.—An ACT to incorporate the American annuity order of the city of
Richmond.

Approved March 4, 1896.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That T.
William Pemberton, J. N. Cullingworth, George Ross, Thomas N.
Carter and Jackson Brandt, of the city of Richmond, and their
associates, successors and assigns be, and are hereby, constituted a
body corporate and politic by the name of the American annuity
order, and by that name shall be known in law, and shall have per-
petual succession; and shall have power to sue and be sued, plead
and be impleaded in all courts; and may make and have a common
seal, and alter the same at pleasure; and shall have, exercise and
enjoy all the rights, powers and privileges pertaining to corporate
bodies and necessary for the purpouses hereinafter set forth; and may
make a constitution, by-laws, rules and regulations, consistent with
the existing laws of the state, for the government of all under its
authority, for the management of its estates and properties, and for
the due and orderly conduct of its affairs, the general object of said
order being:

First. To unite fraternally all white persons of sound bodily
health and good moral character, who are socially acceptable, and
between the ages of eighteen and sixty-five years.

Second. To give all material aid in its power to its members and
those dependent on them.

Third. To establish funds for the relief of sick and distressed
members. '

Fourth. To establish benefit funds, from which the members of
said order who shall have complied with all the rules and regula-
tions, may receive, at the end of a certain period, a sum not exceed-
ing five thousand dollars, which may be payable in a lump sum or
in weekly, monthly or annual installments, or from which, on the
satisfactory evidence of the death of a member who shall have so
complied with such rules and regulations, a sum not exceeding five
thousand dollars, which may be payable in like manner, shall be
paid to the family of such member as he may direct, or, in case of
his failure to direct, to his legal representatives.

2. The said order may acquire and own real estate not to exceed
five acres; and its principal office shall be in the city of Richmond.

3. All taxes and debts due the state shall be paid in money, and
not in coupons. |

4. This act shall be in force from its passage.